Waterborne azido-alkyne click compositions

ABSTRACT

A waterborne alternative polyurethane composition is provided which comprises a reaction product of: an azidated polyol; and a waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprising a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % of an alkynol-polyether having a formula (I),R1—R2—O—R3—OH  (I),wherein,R1=a monovalent group selected from either HC≡C— or HC≡C—CO—,R2=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, andR3=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from 300-1,200 g/mol, wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the prepolymer, wherein reaction of the azidated polyol and the waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) occurs at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C. and optionally in the presence of a catalyst. The inclusion of an alkynol-polyether does not materially alter the performance properties and reactivity of the waterborne polyurethane composition relative to a solventborne polyurethane control composition. Inclusion of the alkynol-polyether reduces the need for organic solvents by allowing for the use of water as a carrier. The inventive waterborne alternative polyurethane compositions may find use in or as coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general, to clickable waterborne polymers, click crosslinking of waterborne polymers, click cross-linked waterborne polymers, clickable functional compounds and functionalized waterborne polymers. More specifically, the invention relates to clickable waterborne polymers with pendant alkyne or azide groups.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the increasingly stringent regulation on the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be emitted into the atmosphere, there has been a trend towards the use of waterborne substitutes in the coatings and adhesives industries. Waterborne coatings and adhesives use water as the medium, thus making these products more environmentally friendly. Waterborne polymers represent the main components as binders for waterborne coatings and adhesives and have shown an increasing potential value. In the synthesis of waterborne polymers, hydrophilic groups, for example, carboxylic, sulfonic, ammonium or other ionic groups, can be incorporated into the polymer chains to render them water soluble or self-dispersible into water. However, the resultant waterborne polymers also show some inherent drawbacks such as water sensitivity, heat-softening, and low hardness. Therefore, compared to organic solvent-soluble coatings or adhesives, waterborne coatings and adhesives still need to be improved in terms of performance for mechanical properties, water and chemical resistance, thermal resistance, and scrubbability, etc.

Waterborne polymers have been used in the coatings and adhesives industries for many decades. When waterborne coatings or adhesives are applied, waterborne polymers used as binders dry to form a film via coalescence, a process in which polymer particles come into contact with one another during drying, and polymer chains merge across boundaries of particles. Significant efforts have been made in modifying waterborne polymer chains to improve the properties of films formed therefrom by many means, among which crosslinking modification is one of the most attractive methods.

Crosslinking of waterborne polymers in coatings and adhesives can enhance mechanical strength, adhesion, water resistance and durability of the formed film. Several crosslinking modifications have been widely utilized in waterborne polymers.

“Click chemistry” is a term first used by Sharpless et al. (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2001, 40, 2004-2021) to describe a family of synthetic reactions, which attempt to imitate nature by joining small molecules together with heteroatom links. Sharpless et al. stated a number of criteria that a reaction must meet to be considered a “click” type reaction. These criteria include the reaction (a) must be modular; (b) must have a wide scope; (c) must provide high yields; (d) must produce inoffensive by-products (which can be removed by non-chromatographic methods); (e) must be stereospecific; and (f) must involve simple reaction conditions (insensitive to water and oxygen) and product isolation. Finally, the reaction should use readily available starting materials, reactants, and solvents which are easily removed.

One example of a click reaction which has attracted wide attention is the copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). This azide-alkyne cycloaddition was first described by Huisgen in 1963 and was carried out in the absence of a catalyst, requiring elevated temperatures and giving a mixture of products (namely the 1,4 and 1,5-substituted triazoles). The Cu^(I)-catalyzed cycloaddition was discovered independently by Meldal (Macromol. Rapid. Corn. 2008, 29 (12-13), 1016-1051) and Sharpless et al. The benefit seen with these copper-catalyzed reactions was that they could be performed at room temperature and resulted in the exclusive formation of 1,4-substituted triazole products. Another advantage of this cycloaddition is that the azide and alkyne moieties are generally unreactive towards a wide range of functional groups, which eliminates the need for extensive use of protecting groups. This advantage is a key to the reaction's popularity in a number of scientific fields such as the biomedical field and material science.

Although the initial investigations of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions via click chemistry focused on the functionalization and attachment of small molecules to biochemical molecules, U.S. Pat. No. 8,101,238 issued to Fokin et al. describes adhesive polymers which are formed from polyvalent alkynes and azides and can be assembled into cross-linked polymer networks by copper catalysis. The Fokin et al. patent describes the formation of coatings on copper metal surfaces which act as a catalyst for the alkynes and azides to form linear polymers including up to 22 units of a diazide and dialkyne or cross-linked polymeric networks. The compositions disclosed in Fokin et al. were proposed for use in applications such as adhesives and coatings and for combination with cement and other materials.

Polymeric triazoles constructed by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition are also described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,358 issued to Tang et al. The compounds of Tang et al. are prepared by thermal conversion at about 100° C. without the addition of a catalyst, which resulted in the formation of both 1,4- and 1,5-disubstituted triazoles. These compositions are described by Tang et al. as being “hyper-branched”, which is a result of the exclusive use of tri- or higher substituted alkynes and azides during preparation. The advantage of these compositions is that their preparation does not involve the use of additional solvents or catalysts, which might have detrimental effects on the resulting properties. This benefit, however, is somewhat negated by the need to cure the compositions at elevated temperatures.

Xin-Ming et al. (Biomacromolecules 2007, 8, 2653-2658) describe the synthesis of linear poly(ethylene glycol)s using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition for chain extension. Xin-Ming et al. disclose that poly(ethylene glycol)s having pendant alkyne moieties are reacted with 2,2-bis(azidomethyl)propane-1,3,diol and copper sulfate/sodium ascorbate.

A significant disadvantage of the above-described reactions is the required use of di- and polyazides, which have relatively high nitrogen contents. For example, Fokin et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 8,101,238) describes compounds having nitrogen contents of up to about 60% in the form of azides. Such compounds are impracticable for industrial application due to the compounds' explosiveness. The compounds of Tang et al. and Xin-Ming et al. have nitrogen contents in the form of azides of about 23% and 43%, respectively, which pose problems when the azide compounds are handled as such.

Ossipov et al. (Macromolecules 2006, 39, 1709-1718) describe the preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, in which a first poly(vinylalcohol) is functionalized with azide functionalities and a second poly(vinyl alcohol) is functionalized with alkyne functionalities, and subsequently the two poly(vinyl alcohol)s are reacted with each other by cyclization of the alkyne and azide groups. Ossipov et al. also disclose that azide terminated poly(ethylene glycol)s may be used as a replacement for the azide-modified poly(vinyl alcohol).

Carter et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 9,790,398 disclose the synthesis of both a diazide monomer and a dialkyne monomer from 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). The inventors also created a diazide monomer by reaction of sodium azide with diglycidyl ether of poly(propylene oxide). Carter et al., disclose the synthesis of only one polymer produced by CuAAC catalyzed reaction of azide-functional polypropylene glycol) diglycidyl ether with the dialkyne of MDI.

U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2016/0311973 in the name of Yang et al. is directed to waterborne dispersion coatings that cure by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Yang et al. disclose hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)-based polyurethane/urea dispersions possessing pendent propargyl groups, HDI-based polyurethane/urea dispersions possessing pendent azide groups, and also alkyd and acrylic type waterborne polymers possessing either alkyne or azide pendent groups.

Both the Carter et al. and Yang et al. references start from small molecules and polymerize these materials to give the final alternative polyurethane products.

Despite the above-described advancements in technology, the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of multivalent azides and alkynes has not been described in combination with prepolymer precursors to which the azide and alkyne groups have been attached. Such prepolymers would have the advantage that the azide content of a prepolymer relative to its total weight could be low enough to minimize the risk of explosions, while the number of azides in the prepolymer molecules can be higher than two allowing the formation of cross-linked systems.

To reduce or eliminate problems, therefore, a need continues to exist in the art for ways of producing waterborne alternative polyurethane compositions which rely on simple modification of existing prepolymers. Further, it would be desirable if the alternative polyurethane compositions, when dispersed in water, maintain the reactivity and good properties of these polymers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention reduces or eliminates problems inherent in the art by providing novel chemical intermediates and methods of preparation, and polyurethane-based compositions made therefrom, that cure without the presence of free isocyanates in the final curing step.

The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that reaction of a prepolymer with from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % of an alkynol-polyether, imparts water dispersibility to the resulting poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer without compromising performance of the compositions made therefrom. The alkynol-polyether of the present invention has the formula (I), R₁—R₂—O—R₃—OH  (I), wherein,

-   R₁=a monovalent group selected from either HC≡C— or HC≡C—CO—, -   R₂=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be     straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, and -   R₃=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from     300-1,200 g/mol.

The invention allows for the use of water as a carrier, thereby eliminating the need for organic solvents. These waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymers are particularly useful in azido-alkyne cycloaddition (click) chemistry. Thus, the inventive waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymers may find use in the production of coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites.

These and other advantages and benefits of the present invention will be apparent from the Detailed Description of the Invention herein below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Except in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages, and so forth in the specification are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”

Any numerical range recited in this specification is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that amending to expressly recite any such sub-ranges would comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112(a), and 35 U.S.C. § 132(a). The various embodiments disclosed and described in this specification can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the features and characteristics as variously described herein.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material identified herein is incorporated by reference into this specification in its entirety unless otherwise indicated, but only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material expressly set forth in this specification. As such, and to the extent necessary, the express disclosure as set forth in this specification supersedes any conflicting material incorporated by reference herein. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference into this specification, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein, is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material. Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification to expressly recite any subject matter, or portion thereof, incorporated by reference herein.

Reference throughout this specification to “various non-limiting embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” or the like, means that a particular feature or characteristic may be included in an embodiment. Thus, use of the phrase “in various non-limiting embodiments,” “in certain embodiments,” or the like, in this specification does not necessarily refer to a common embodiment, and may refer to different embodiments. Further, the particular features or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with various or certain embodiments may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present specification.

The grammatical articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used herein, are intended to include “at least one” or “one or more”, unless otherwise indicated, even if “at least one” or “one or more” is expressly used in certain instances. Thus, these articles are used in this specification to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to “at least one”) of the grammatical objects of the article. By way of example, and without limitation, “a component” means one or more components, and thus, possibly, more than one component is contemplated and may be employed or used in an implementation of the described embodiments. Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usage requires otherwise.

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a waterborne alternative polyurethane composition comprising a reaction product of: an azidated polyol; and a waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprising a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % of an alkynol-polyether having a formula (I), R₁—R₂—O—R₃—OH(I), wherein, R₁=a monovalent group selected from either HC≡C— or HC≡C—CO—, R₂=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, and R₃=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from 300-1,200 g/mol, wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the prepolymer, wherein reaction of the azidated polyol and the waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) occurs at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C. and optionally in the presence of a catalyst. The invention allows for the use of water as a carrier, thus eliminating the need for organic solvents.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to one of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite comprising the waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to the previous paragraph.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a process of applying to a substrate the one of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite according to the previous paragraph.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a process of producing a waterborne alternative polyurethane composition comprising reacting an azidated polyol and a waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C., optionally in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate component and from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % of an alkynol-polyether having a formula (I), R₁—R₂—O—R₃—OH(I), wherein, R₁=a monovalent group selected from either HC≡C— or HC≡C—CO—, R₂=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, and R₃=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from 300-1,200 g/mol, wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the prepolymer, and wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the prepolymer.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to one of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite comprising the waterborne alternative polyurethane composition produced according to the process of the previous paragraph.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to a substrate having applied thereto the one of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite according to the previous paragraph.

As used herein, the term “polymer” encompasses prepolymers, oligomers, and both homopolymers and copolymers; the prefix “poly” in this context refers to two or more. As used herein, the term “molecular weight”, when used in reference to a polymer, refers to the number average molecular weight, unless otherwise specified.

As used herein, the term “polyol” refers to compounds comprising at least two free hydroxyl groups. Polyols include polymers comprising pendant and terminal hydroxyl groups.

As used herein, the term “coating composition” refers to a mixture of chemical components that will cure and form a coating when applied to a substrate.

The terms “adhesive” or “adhesive composition” refer to any substance that can adhere or bond two items together. Implicit in the definition of an “adhesive composition” or “adhesive formulation” is the concept that the composition or formulation is a combination or mixture of more than one species, component or compound, which can include adhesive monomers, oligomers, and polymers along with other materials.

A “sealant” or “sealant composition” refers to a composition which may be applied to one or more surfaces to form a protective barrier, for example to prevent ingress or egress of solid, liquid or gaseous material or alternatively to allow selective permeability through the barrier to gas and liquid. In particular, it may provide a seal between surfaces.

A “film composition” refers to a mixture of chemical components that will cure and form a thin flexible strip of material, i.e., a “film”.

An “elastomer” refers to a polymeric composition that has high elongation and flexibility or elasticity. Elastomers may be made from natural rubber, polyurethanes, polybutadiene, neoprene, and silicone.

A “casting” or “casting composition” refers to a mixture of liquid chemical components which is usually poured into a mold containing a hollow cavity of the desired shape, and then allowed to solidify.

A “composite” or “composite composition” refers to a material made from one or more polymers, containing at least one other type of material (e.g., a fiber) which retains its identity while contributing desirable properties to the composite. A composite has different properties from those of the individual polymers/materials which make it up.

A “foam” is produced by mixing a polyol and an isocyanate along with an amine or organometallic catalyst and a combination of water and a hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent.

The terms “cured,” “cured composition” or “cured compound” refer to components and mixtures obtained from reactive curable original compound(s) or mixture(s) thereof which have undergone chemical and/or physical changes such that the original compound(s) or mixture(s) is(are) transformed into a solid, substantially non-flowing material. A typical curing process may involve crosslinking.

The term “curable” means that an original compound(s) or composition material(s) can be transformed into a solid, substantially non-flowing material by means of chemical reaction, crosslinking, radiation crosslinking, or the like. Thus, compositions of the invention are curable, but unless otherwise specified, the original compound(s) or composition material(s) is(are) not cured.

As used herein, the term “solventborne” refers to a composition which contains organic solvents rather than water as its primary liquid component.

As used herein, the term “waterborne” refers to a composition, preferably a dispersion, which contains water as its primary liquid component.

The components useful in the present invention comprise a polyisocyanate. As used herein, the term “polyisocyanate” refers to compounds comprising at least two unreacted isocyanate groups, such as three or more unreacted isocyanate groups. The polyisocyanate may comprise diisocyanates such as linear aliphatic polyisocyanates, aromatic polyisocyanates, cycloaliphatic polyisocyanates and aralkyl polyisocyanates.

Suitable polyisocyanates for use in embodiments of the invention include organic diisocyanates represented by the formula R(NCO)₂ wherein R represents an organic group obtained by removing the isocyanate groups from an organic diisocyanate having (cyclo)aliphatically bound isocyanate groups and a molecular weight of 112 to 1000, preferably 140 to 400. Preferred diisocyanates for the invention are those represented by the formula wherein R represents a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 4 to 18 carbon atoms, a divalent cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 5 to 15 carbon atoms, or a divalent araliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 7 to 15 carbon atoms.

Examples of the organic diisocyanates which are particularly suitable for the present invention include 1,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,12-dodecamethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,3- and 1,4-diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-2-isocyanato-methyl cyclopentane, 1-isocyanato-3-isocyanatomethyl-3,5,5-trimethyl cyclohexane (isophorone diisocyanate or IPDI), bis-(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane, 1,3- and 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, bis-(4-isocyanato-3-methyl-cyclohexyl)-methane, α,α,α′,α′-tetramethyl-1,3- and 1,4-xylene diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-1-methyl-4(3)-isocyanato-methyl cyclohexane, and 2,4- and 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), pentane diisocyanate (PDI)-bio-based), and, isomers of any of these; or combinations of any of these. Mixtures of diisocyanates may also be used. Preferred diisocyanates include 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, and bis(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)-methane because they are readily available and yield relatively low viscosity oligomers.

Polyisocyanate adducts containing isocyanurate, iminooxadiazine dione, urethane, biuret, allophanate, uretdione and/or carbodiimide groups are also suitable for use in the present invention and may be prepared from the same organic groups. Such polyisocyanates may have isocyanate functionalities of 3 or more and can be prepared, for example, by the trimerization or oligomerization of diisocyanates or by the reaction of diisocyanates with polyfunctional compounds containing hydroxyl or amine groups. In certain embodiments, the polyisocyanate is the isocyanurate of hexamethylene diisocyanate, which may be prepared in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,879 at col. 3, line 5 to col. 6, line 47.

The polyols useful in the present invention may be either low molecular weight (62-399 Da, as determined by gel permeation chromatography) or high molecular weight (400 to 10,000 Da, as determined by gel permeation chromatography) materials and in various embodiments will have average hydroxyl values as determined by ASTM E222-17, Method B, of between 1000 and 10, and preferably between 500 and 50.

The polyols in the present invention include low molecular weight diols, triols and higher alcohols and polymeric polyols such as polyester polyols, polyether polyols, polycarbonate polyols, polyurethane polyols and hydroxyl-containing (meth)acrylic polymers.

The low molecular weight diols, triols, and higher alcohols useful in the present invention are known to those skilled in the art. In many embodiments, they are monomeric and have hydroxyl values of 200 and above, usually within the range of 1500 to 200. Such materials include aliphatic polyols, particularly alkylene polyols containing from 2 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples include ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol; and cycloaliphatic polyols such as cyclohexane dimethanol. Examples of triols and higher alcohols include trimethylol propane and pentaerythritol. Also useful are polyols containing ether linkages such as diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol.

In various embodiments, the suitable polyols are polymeric polyols having hydroxyl values less than 200, such as 10 to 180. Examples of polymeric polyols include polyalkylene ether polyols, polyester polyols including hydroxyl-containing polycaprolactones, hydroxyl-containing (meth)acrylic polymers, polycarbonate polyols and polyurethane polymers.

Examples of polyether polyols include poly(oxytetramethylene) glycols, poly(oxyethylene) glycols, and the reaction product of ethylene glycol with a mixture of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide.

Also useful are polyether polyols formed from the oxyalkylation of various polyols, for example, glycols such as ethylene glycol, 1,4-butane glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, and the like, or higher polyols, such as trimethylol propane, pentaerythritol and the like. One commonly utilized oxyalkylation method is reaction of a polyol with an alkylene oxide, for example, ethylene oxide in the presence of an acidic or basic catalyst.

Polyester polyols can also be used as a polymeric polyol component in the certain embodiments of the invention. The polyester polyols can be prepared by the polyesterification of organic polycarboxylic acids or anhydrides thereof with organic polyols. Preferably, the polycarboxylic acids and polyols are aliphatic or aromatic dibasic acids and diols.

The diols which may be employed in making the polyester include alkylene glycols, such as ethylene glycol and butylene glycol, neopentyl glycol and other glycols such as cyclohexane dimethanol, caprolactone diol (for example, the reaction product of caprolactone and ethylene glycol), polyether glycols, for example, poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol and the like. However, other diols of various types and, as indicated, polyols of higher functionality may also be utilized in various embodiments of the invention. Such higher polyols can include, for example, trimethylol propane, trimethylol ethane, pentaerythritol, and the like, as well as higher molecular weight polyols such as those produced by oxyalkylating low molecular weight polyols. An example of such high molecular weight polyol is the reaction product of 20 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of trimethylol propane.

The acid component of the polyester consists primarily of monomeric carboxylic acids or anhydrides having 2 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule. Among the acids which are useful are phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, tetrahydrophthalic acid, hexahydrophthalic acid, adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, maleic acid, glutaric acid, chlorendic acid, tetrachlorophthalic acid and other dicarboxylic acids of varying types. Also, there may be employed higher polycarboxylic acids such as trimellitic acid and tricarballylic acid (where acids are referred to above, it is understood that the anhydrides of those acids which form anhydrides can be used in place of the acid). Also, lower alkyl esters of acids such as dimethyl glutamate can be used.

In addition to polyester polyols formed from polybasic acids and polyols, polycaprolactone-type polyesters can also be employed. These products are formed from the reaction of a cyclic lactone such as ε-caprolactone with a polyol with primary hydroxyls such as those mentioned above. Such products are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,169,949.

In addition to the polyether and polyester polyols, hydroxyl-containing (meth)acrylic polymers or (meth)acrylic polyols can be used as the polyol component.

Among the (meth)acrylic polymers are polymers of 2 to 20 percent by weight primary hydroxyl-containing vinyl monomers such as hydroxyalkyl acrylate and methacrylate having 2 to 6 carbon atoms in the alkyl group and 80 to 98 percent by weight of other ethylenically unsaturated copolymerizable materials such as alkyl(meth)acrylates; the percentages by weight being based on the total weight of the monomeric charge.

Examples of suitable hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates are hydroxy ethyl and hydroxy butyl(meth)acrylate. Examples of suitable alkyl acrylates and (meth)acrylates are lauryl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate and n-butyl acrylate.

In addition to the acrylates and methacrylates, other copolymerizable monomers which can be copolymerized with the hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates include ethylenically unsaturated materials such as monoolefinic and diolefinic hydrocarbons, halogenated monoolefinic and diolefinic hydrocarbons, unsaturated esters of organic and inorganic acids, amides and esters of unsaturated acids, nitriles and unsaturated acids and the like. Examples of such monomers include styrene, 1,3-butadiene, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, α-methyl styrene, α-methyl chlorostyrene, vinyl butyrate, vinyl acetate, alkyl chloride, divinyl benzene, diallyl itaconate, triallyl cyanurate and mixtures thereof. Preferably, these other ethylenically unsaturated materials are used in admixture with the above-mentioned acrylates and methacrylates.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the polyol may be a polyurethane polyol. These polyols can be prepared by reacting any of the above-mentioned polyols with a minor amount of polyisocyanate (OH/NCO equivalent ratio greater than 1:1) so that free primary hydroxyl groups are present in the product. In addition to the high molecular weight polyols mentioned above, mixtures of both high molecular weight and low molecular weight polyols such as those mentioned above may be used.

Suitable hydroxyl-functional polycarbonate polyols may be those prepared by reacting monomeric diols (such as 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, di-, tri- or tetraethylene glycol, di-, tri- or tetrapropylene glycol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, 4,4′-dimethylolcyclohexane and mixtures thereof) with diaryl carbonates (such as diphenyl carbonate, dialkyl carbonates (such as dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate), alkylene carbonates (such as ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate), or phosgene. Optionally, a minor amount of higher functional, monomeric polyols, such as trimethylolpropane, glycerol or pentaerythritol, may be used.

In various embodiments, the azidated polyols are the reaction products of a polyol and methane sulfonyl chloride (or toluenesulfonyl (tosyl), p-bromophenylsulfonyl (brosyl), benzyl) in presence of base, followed by displacement of the methanesulfonate by an azide anion using NaN₃. Another method to produce azidated polyols is the reaction of a polyoxirane compound, for example, a (meth)acrylic polymer containing glycidyl methacrylate comonomer units, with an azide ion using, for example, NaN₃. Any polyol, including but not limited to, those disclosed herein may be azidated and useful in the invention.

The azidated polyol useful in the present application may have a nitrogen content derivable from azide relative to the total weight of the molecule in various embodiment of 20 wt.-% or less, in certain embodiments of 18 wt.-% or less, or of 16 wt.-% or less and in selected embodiments of 15 wt.-% or less. Having such a low azide content helps to ensure that the polyols are sufficiently stable against explosive decomposition, such that extensive handling precautions can be avoided. On the other hand, it is preferred that the nitrogen content derivable from azide relative to the total weight of the molecule in the azide polyol in various embodiments is 1 wt.-% or more, in some embodiments, 2 wt.-% or more, in certain embodiments, 5 wt.-% or more and in selected embodiments, 8 wt.-% or more. Such an azide content ensures that the polyols have a sufficiently low viscosity during handling, but also permits the azidated polyol to contain multiple azide groups.

The waterborne alternative polyurethane compositions of the present invention are obtained by reacting an azide compound having two or more azide groups attached thereto and an alkyne compound having two or more alkyne groups attached thereto in a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of the azide and alkyne groups. This can for example, be achieved by heating the components to temperatures sufficient to affect the cycloaddition such as in various embodiments, at least 100° C., in certain embodiments, at least 120° C., and in selected embodiments, at least 140° C.

In certain embodiments, the optional catalyst in the present application may be a Cu^(I)-based catalyst. The Cu^(I)-based catalyst may, for example, be a copper-containing surface which contains sufficient Cu^(I) in the surface layer to provide the required catalytic action. If application of the inventive composition to non copper-containing surfaces is intended, it is necessary that the Cu^(I)-based catalyst come from a copper source which is not attached to the surface of a material to which the alternative polyurethane composition is to be applied.

Suitable copper catalysts of this type can be based on commercially available Cu^(I) salts such as CuBr or CuI. It has been noted that Cu^(I) precursors do not provide catalysts with high reactivities in the formation of 1,4-disubstituted triazoles when azide compounds having two or more azide groups attached thereto and alkyne compounds having two or more alkyne groups attached to a molecule are reacted; however, Cu^(II) precursors which are converted to Cu^(I) by the action of a reducing agent, provide enhanced activity. Suitable Cu^(II) precursors include, but are not limited to, copper(II) sulfate, copper(II) acetate monohydrate, and copper(II) 2-ethylhexanoate. Suitable reducing agents include, for example, triphenyl phosphine, sodium ascorbate, tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and hydroquinone. Because Cu^(I) halides are water-soluble, a reducing agent is not necessary.

In selected embodiments, the alkyne may be straight chain or branched and contain cyclic moieties. In various embodiments, the alkyne contains from 3 to 10 carbon atoms; in other embodiments from 3 to 8 carbon atoms. In various embodiments, the alkyne is an alkynol such as propargyl alcohol, in certain embodiments, a propiolate, in certain embodiments, 2-hydroxyethylpropiolate (2-HEP). In various embodiments, the alkyne contains from 3 to 10 carbon atoms; in other embodiments from 3 to 8 carbon atoms.

The inventors surprisingly have found that reacting a polyisocyanate prepolymer with an alkynol-polyether at a level of from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. %, based on the weight of the polyisocyanate prepolymer, produces a poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer with water dispersibility without compromising performance of waterborne alternative polyurethane compositions made therefrom. The invention permits the use of water as a carrier and thus eliminates the need for organic solvents. In various embodiments of the invention, the alkynol-polyethers have from 10 to 50 carbon atoms and have a formula (I) R₁—R₂—O—R₃—OH  (I), wherein,

-   R₁=a monovalent group selected from either HC≡C— or HC≡C—CO—, -   R₂=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be     straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, and -   R₃=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from     300-1,200 g/mol

In certain embodiments, the alkynol-polyethers have from 10 to 40 carbon atoms, in other embodiments, from 10 to 30 carbon atoms, and in selected embodiments, from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. In various embodiments, the amount of alkynol-polyether reacted is between 5 wt. % to 15 wt. %, based on the weight of the polyisocyanate prepolymer. In certain embodiments, the amount of alkynol-polyether is 5 wt. %, in certain other embodiments, 10 wt. %, in still other embodiments, 15 wt. %, based on the weight of the prepolymer.

In various embodiments, the waterborne alternative polyurethane compositions of the present invention may be used to provide coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites.

The waterborne alternative polyurethane compositions of the present invention may further include any of a variety of additives such as defoamers, devolatilizers, surfactants, thickeners, flow control additives, colorants (including pigments and dyes) or surface additives.

The waterborne alternative polyurethane compositions of the invention may be contacted with a substrate by any methods known to those skilled in the art, including but not limited to, spraying, dipping, flow coating, rolling, brushing, pouring, and the like. In some embodiments, the inventive waterborne compositions may be applied in the form of paints or lacquers onto any compatible substrate, such as, for example, metals, plastics, ceramics, glass, and natural materials. In certain embodiments, the inventive waterborne composition is applied as a single layer. In other embodiments, the waterborne composition of the present invention may be applied as multiple layers as needed.

Examples

The non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples that follow are intended to further describe various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments without restricting the scope of the embodiments described in this specification. All quantities given in “percents” are understood to be by weight, unless otherwise indicated. For the purpose of mass to mole conversions, reagents with purity of 99% or higher are considered to be 100% pure.

Although described herein in the context of a coating, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites.

The following materials were used in preparation of the Examples:

POLYISOCYANATE A an allophanate-modified polyisocyanate having isocyanate equivalent weight of 217.72 g/eq; commercially available from Covestro LLC (Pittsburgh, PA) as DESMODUR XP 2580 (19.3% isocyanate); POLYOL A an acrylic polyol, received as a 80 wt % solids solution in n-BA, commercially available from Allnex as SETALUX DA 870 BA, possessing hydroxyl equivalent weight of 461.02 g/eq (at 100% solids); ALKYNOL A propargyl alcohol (99%), commercially available from Fisher Scientific; reagent was dried over 4 Å molecular sieves prior to use; POLYETHER A polyethylene glycol (MW 600 g/mol), commercially available from Fisher Scientific; ALKYNOL A- polyethylene glycol monopropargyl ether, prepared POLYETHER A from polyethylene glycol (MW 600 g/mol) POLY(ALKYNYL a proprietary prepolymer based on CARBAMATE) A POLYISOCYANATE A, having alkyne equivalent weight of 273.78 g/eq; POLY(ALKYNYL a proprietary prepolymer based on CARBAMATE) B POLYISOCYANATE A and 5% ALKYNOL- POLYETHER A, having alkyne equivalent weight of 283.70 g/eq; POLY(ALKYNYL a proprietary prepolymer based on CARBAMATE) C POLYISOCYANATE A and 10% ALKYNOL- POLYETHER A, having alkyne equivalent weight of 293.63 g/eq; POLY(ALKYNYL a proprietary prepolymer based on CARBAMATE) D POLYISOCYANATE A and 15% ALKYNOL- POLYETHER A, having alkyne equivalent weight of 303.56 g/eq; AZIDATED POLYOL A a proprietary prepolymer based on POLYOL A, having azide equivalent weight of 543.95 g/eq (at 89.35% solids); the solid % was determined by drying an aliquot in an oven and recording the fraction weight remaining; 4 Å Molecular Sieves Fisher Scientific, Type 4A, Grade 514, 8-12 Mesh beads, 4 Å pore size, activated using a microwave oven prior to use; MESYL-Cl methanesulfonyl chloride, (≥99.7%), commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich; MeCN acetonitrile (OPTIMA),, commercially available from Fisher Scientific; solvent was distilled and dried over 4 Å molecular sieves prior to use; Toluene Certified ACS, commercially available from Fisher Scientific; Pyridine anhydrous (99.8%), commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich; Ethyl acetate Certified ACS, commercially available from Fisher Scientific; TEA triethylamine (≥99.5%) commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich; TRTCl trityl chloride (98%) commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich; THF tetrahydrofuran (HPLC grade), commercially available from Fisher Scientific, dried further via distillation over calcium hydride (ca. 93%, extra pure, 0-2 mm grain size, Acros Chemicals); NaOH sodium hydroxide (Certified ACS), commercially available from Fisher Scientific; DCM dichloromethane (Certified ACS), commercially available from Fisher Scientific; DMF N,N-dimethylformamide (Certified ACS), commercially available from Fisher Scientific; NaH sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil), commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich; NaN₃ sodium azide (REAGENTPLUS, ≥99.5%), commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich; Ethyl ether SPECTRANALYZED, commercially available from Fisher Scientific; DCM dichloromethane (Certified ACS); n-BA n-butyl acetate (ACS reagent, ≥99.5%), commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich; further dried using 4 Å molecular sieves prior to use; MEK methyl ethyl ketone (Certified ACS), commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich; Hexane Certified ACS, commercially available from Fisher Scientific; Ammonium chloride Certified ACS, commercially available from Fisher Scientific; NaHCO₃ sodium bicarbonate (Certified ACS), commercially available from Fisher Scientific; CELITE 545 diatomaceous earth, commercially available from Fisher Scientific; MgSO₄ magnesium sulfate, anhydrous, commercially available from Fisher Scientific; Pd/C palladium on carbon, 10% loading, matrix activated carbon support, commercially available from Sigma- Aldrich; PnB propylene glycol n-butyl ether, commercially available from Dow Chemical as DOWANOL PnB glycol ether; TOSYL-Cl p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (≥99%), commercially available from Acros Organics; CARBITOL diethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate, commercially available from Dow Chemical; CATALYST A dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL, 98%), commercially available from Strem Chemicals; CATALYST B a heat sensitive macro-porous sulfonic ion exchange acid resin commercially available from Sigma-Aldrich as AMBERLYST 15H (wet); ADDITIVE A a silicone surfactant, commercially available from BYK Additives & Instruments as BYK-346; Brine saturated aqueous solution of NaCl, prepared by dissolving 450 g NaCl (certified ACS, Fisher Scientific) into 1.2 L of DI water at room temperature.

The procedure to synthesize ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A involved four steps: (1) synthesis of mono-trityl ether of POLYETHER A (TrtO-POLYETHER A); (2) synthesis of mono-trityl ether of POLYETHER A, tosyl ester (TrtO-POLYETHER A-OTs) from TrtO-POLYETHER A; (3) synthesis of mono-tosyl ester of POLYETHER A (TsO-POLYETHER A) from TrtO-POLYETHER A-OTs; and (4) synthesis of ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A from TsO-POLYETHER A.

Synthesis of TrtO-POLYETHER A: All glassware was cleaned and dried in an oven overnight. POLYETHER A (1000 g, 1.667 mol) was placed in a two liter, one-neck, round bottom flask and dried by azeotropic evaporation with toluene (100 mL) three times. The flask was equipped with a stir bar. Pyridine (28 mL, 27 g, 0.35 mol) and TRTCL (58.0 g, 0.204 mol) were added under argon protection. The flask was then fitted with a septum, and the septum was fitted with a needle connected to a balloon. The flask and balloon were then inflated with argon using a second needle. The second needle was removed, and the mixture was vigorously stirred for three hours at room temperature. The reaction was quenched with DI water (500 mL). The crude product was extracted with toluene (500 mL), and the organic layer was washed with brine/water mixture (200 mL, 80/20, v/v), saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride (100 mL), and brine (4×1000 mL). The mixture was dried with MgSO₄, filtered, and vacuum stripped of solvent, to afford the product as a colorless oil (160.25 g; yield=93%), which was then characterized by ¹H-NMR to confirm its structure.

Synthesis of TrtO-POLYETHER A-OTs: TrtO-POLYETHER A (160.25 g, 0.190 mol), a stir bar, and THF (500 mL) were added to a two-liter, one-neck round bottom flask. NaOH (28.0 g, 0.700 mol) was dissolved in DI water (100 mL), cooled to room temperature, and added to the THF solution. The flask was immersed in an ice bath, and the mixture was stirred and allowed to equilibrate at 0° C. for 10 minutes. TOSYL-Cl (39.87 g, 0.209 mol) in THF (200 mL) was added slowly through a dropping funnel over 30 min. The mixture was allowed to stir for four hours at 0° C. The ice bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 hours to hydrolyze the remaining TOSYL-Cl. DI Water (100 mL) and ethyl ether (200 mL) were then added, and the organic layer was separated, washed with saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO₃ (200 mL) and brine (3×200 mL), and dried over MgSO₄. After filtration, the solvent was vacuum stripped to yield the product as a viscous yellowish oil which was then characterized by ¹H-NMR to confirm its structure.

Synthesis of TsO-POLYETHER A: Pressurized hydrogenation was performed to cleave the trityl-oxygen bond. Pd/C powder (1 g) under N₂ protection was added to a 500 mL pressure reactor. TrtO-POLYETHER A-OTs (82.70 g, 0.083 mol) was dissolved in methanol (200 mL) and sparged with N₂. The solution and CATALYST B (1 g) were added to the reactor. The reactor was placed onto a Parr Shaker Hydrogenation Apparatus, sealed, and purged with H₂ gas three times. The mixture was shaken at room temperature for 48 hours under pressurized H₂ atmosphere (50.0 bar). The mixture was then filtered through CELITE 545 and washed with hexane (10×100 mL). The solvent was vacuum stripped, and the crude product was dissolved in ethyl acetate (200 mL). The resulting solution was washed with DI water (3×100 mL) and brine (100 mL), and then dried over MgSO₄. The solvent was vacuum stripped to afford the isolated product as a pale yellowish oil, which was then characterized by ¹H-NMR to confirm its structure.

Synthesis of ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A: All glassware was cleaned and dried in an oven overnight. NaH (1.8 g, 45.0 mmol) was washed with hexane five times under N₂ protection and added to a 250 mL one-neck, round bottom flask equipped with a stir bar. Anhydrous THF (80 mL) was added, and the mixture was stirred at 50° C. ALKYNOL A (3.0 mL, 52 mmol) was added dropwise, and the mixture was allowed to react under N₂ protection for one hour. TsO-POLYETHER A (30.0 g, 39.8 mmol) in anhydrous THF (50 mL) was added to the mixture using an addition funnel over 30 minutes, and stirring was continued at 50° C. under N₂ protection for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered, and solvent and remaining ALKYNOL A were vacuum stripped to afford the product as a slightly yellowish oil, which was characterized by ¹H-NMR to confirm its structure.

All waterborne alkyne resins were synthesized using similar procedures, and every procedure will be described in detail as follows.

The synthesis of POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) B, the propargyl carbamate of POLYISOCYANATE A containing 5% ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A was carried out as follows: All glassware was cleaned and dried in an oven overnight. POLYISOCYANATE A (25.00 g; 114.8 mmol isocyanate), anhydrous THF (75 mL), and DBTDL (0.25 g) were charged to a three-neck 250 mL round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a thermocouple, and an addition funnel. A solution of ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A (1.25 g; 1.96 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) was added to the addition funnel. The system was sealed with rubber septa; stirring was activated, and under N₂ protection, the contents were equilibrated to 0° C. by immersion in an ice bath for 10 minutes. After the equilibration, ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A solution was added into the stirred solution at initially 1 drop/sec. The addition speed was adjusted so that temperature of the reaction did not exceed 30° C. At this point, ALKYNOL A (6.327 g; 112.9 mmol) was added to the top of the addition funnel using a syringe. The same temperature precautions were taken during the addition of propargyl alcohol as were taken during the addition of ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A. After the addition, the mixture was allowed to react overnight. The solvent was vacuum stripped, and the product of the reaction was characterized by ¹³C-NMR and ¹H-NMR.

The synthesis of POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) C, the propargyl carbamate of POLYISOCYANATE A containing 10% ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A was carried out as follows: All glassware was cleaned and dried in an oven overnight. POLYISOCYANATE A (25.00 g; 114.8 mmol isocyanate), anhydrous THF (75 mL), and DBTDL (0.25 g) were charged to a three-neck 250 mL round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a thermocouple, and an addition funnel. A solution of ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A (2.50 g; 3.92 mmol) in anhydrous THF (20 mL) was added to the addition funnel. The system was sealed with rubber septa; stirring was activated, and under N₂ protection, the contents were equilibrated to 0° C. by immersion in an ice bath for 10 minutes. After the equilibration, ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A solution was added into the stirred solution at initially 1 drop/sec. The addition speed was adjusted so that temperature of the reaction did not exceed 30° C. At this point, ALKYNOL A (6.218 g; 110.9 mmol) was added to the top of the addition funnel using a syringe. The same temperature precautions were taken during the addition of ALKYNOL A as were taken during the addition of ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A. After the addition, the mixture was allowed to react overnight. The solvent was vacuum stripped, and the product of the reaction was characterized by ¹³C-NMR and ¹H-NMR.

The synthesis of POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) D, the propargyl carbamate of POLYISOCYANATE A containing 15% ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A was carried out as follows: All glassware was cleaned and dried in an oven overnight. POLYISOCYANATE A (25.00 g; 114.8 mmol isocyanate), anhydrous THF (75 mL), and DBTDL (0.25 g) were charged to a three-neck 250 mL round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a thermocouple, and an addition funnel. A solution of ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A (3.75 g; 5.88 mmol) in anhydrous THF (30 mL) was added to the addition funnel. The system was sealed with rubber septa; stirring was activated, and under N₂ protection, the contents were equilibrated to 0° C. by immersion in an ice bath for 10 minutes. After the equilibration, ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A solution was added into the stirred solution at initially 1 drop/sec. The addition speed was adjusted so that temperature of the reaction did not exceed 30° C. At this point, ALKYNOL A (6.108 g; 108.9 mmol) was added to the top of the addition funnel using a syringe. The same temperature precautions were taken during the addition of ALKYNOL A as were taken during the addition of ALKYNOL A-POLYETHER A. After the addition, the mixture was allowed to react overnight. The solvent was vacuum stripped, and the product of the reaction was characterized by ¹³C-NMR and ¹H-NMR.

POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) A was prepared as follows: all glassware was cleaned and dried in an oven overnight. The following procedure was performed in a N₂-protected, dry box equipped with a cryostated heptane bath. POLYISOCYANATE A (101.02 g, 0.464 mol isocyanate) and CATALYST A (1.09 g, 1.73 mmol) were charged to a 500 mL three-neck round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a thermocouple, and an addition funnel. The mixture in the flask was stirred and allowed to equilibrate at 0° C. for ten minutes. After equilibration, ALKYNOL A (26.102 g, 0.466 mol) was charged to the addition funnel and added into the stirring solution at initially 1 drop/sec. The addition speed was adjusted so that temperature of the reaction did not exceed 30° C. After the addition was complete, the mixture was allowed to react overnight, and the product of the reaction was characterized by FTIR, ¹³C-NMR and ¹H-NMR.

AZIDATED POLYOL A was prepared as follows. All glassware was cleaned and dried in an oven overnight. The following procedure was performed in a N₂-protected dry box equipped with a cryostated heptane bath. POLYOL A (150.8 g, 0.261 mol), TEA (55.0 mL, 0.395 mol) and MeCN (300 mL) were charged to a one-liter, two-neck round bottom flask equipped with a mechanical stirrer and an addition funnel. The mixture was stirred and allowed to equilibrate at 0° C. for 10 minutes. After equilibration, a solution of MESYL-Cl (24.0 mL, 0.310 mol) in MeCN (50 mL) was charged to the addition funnel and added into the stirring solution at 1 drop/sec. After the addition, the mixture was allowed to react overnight.

The reaction flask was transferred out of the dry box, and the mixture was filtered to remove the TEA salts. MeCN and excess TEA were vacuum stripped, and the mesylated resin was re-dissolved into ethyl acetate (500 mL). The solution was washed with 20/80 (v/v) brine/DI water mixture (3×300 mL) and brine (300 mL), and dried with MgSO₄ overnight. Ethyl acetate was removed by vacuum stripping to afford the mesylated POLYOL A as an intermediate. An aliquot was taken to perform FTIR, ¹³C-NMR, and ¹H-NMR characterization.

The mesylated resin was re-dissolved in MeCN (300 mL) and DMF (30 mL) in a one liter, one-neck round bottom flask. NaN₃ (20.0 g, 0.308 mol) and a stir bar were added to the mixture, and the flask was equipped with a condenser sealed with a rubber septum with a needle. The mixture was stirred at 95° C. for 16 h, allowed to cool to room temperature, and filtered to remove the mesyl-Na salts. MeCN was vacuum stripped, and the azidated resin was re-dissolved into ethyl acetate (500 mL). The solution was washed with 20/80 (v/v) brine/DI water (3×300 mL) and brine (3×300 mL), and dried with MgSO₄ overnight. The final product, AZIDATED POLYOL A, was isolated by removal of ethyl acetate by vacuum stripping and thereafter characterized by FTIR, ¹³C-NMR, and ¹H-NMR. An aliquot of the product was placed on an aluminum pan and dried in the oven at 100° C. for one hour.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were conducted using a NICOLET 8700 spectrometer with a KBr beam splitter and a DTGS detector. Samples were sandwiched between two NaCl salt plates (polished with DCM) of approximate thickness of 5 mm.

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectra and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C NMR) spectra were obtained using a 600.13 MHz Varian Mercury^(plus) NMR (VNMR 6.1C) spectrometer. For ¹H NMR, typical acquisition parameters were 8 s recycle delay, 7.8 μs pulse corresponding to a 45° flip angle, and an acquisition time of 1.998 s. The number of scans acquired for each sample was 64. All ¹H chemical shifts were referenced to tetramethylsilane (TMS) (0 ppm). Sample solutions were prepared at a concentration of approximately 5-10% in deuterated chloroform (CDCl₃) (99.8+ atom % D, 0.03 v/v % TMS) (Acros Organics, further dried using activated molecular sieves prior to use), and the resulting solution was charged to a 5 mm NMR tube.

For ¹³C NMR, typical acquisition parameters were 1 sec recycle delay, 11 ms pulse corresponding to a 45° flip angle, and an acquisition time of 0.908 s. The number of scans acquired for each sample was 1024. All ¹³C chemical shifts were referenced to residual chloroform (77.16 ppm). Sample solutions were prepared at a concentration of approximately 30% in CDCl₃, and the resulting solution was charged to a 5 mm NMR tube.

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed using a TA Instruments Q200. For this purpose, coatings were prepared on polyethylene (PE) film substrate. The coatings, which had little adhesion to the PE film, were easily peeled off and punched to give circular samples (d=0.25 in) of the coating films. Stacks of five such samples (total ˜5 mg) per coating were placed in a hermetically sealed T_(zero) pan. A heat/cool/heat cycle was performed on each stack starting at −50° C. and ending at 200° C. at a rate of 10° C./min. The glass transition temperature (T_(g)) of the cured material was determined from the second heating cycle, and TA Universal Analysis software was used to determine the midpoint of the T_(g) inflection as the reported value.

All waterborne coatings were prepared using the same procedure, but with different formulations. The amount of ingredients for each formulation is described in Table I. As an example, the coating preparation of AZIDATED POLYOL A and POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) B will be described. AZIDATED POLYOL A (2.629 g; 4.83 mmol azide) and POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) B (1.371 g; 4.83 mmol alkyne) were added to a scintillation vial. The mixture was diluted with PnB (0.400 g) and mixed in a FLAKTECH mixer at 1800 rpm for 20-30 minutes until homogeneous. DI water (1.00 g) and ADDITIVE A (0.020 g) were then added to the mixture, and the formulation was placed in the FLAKTECH mixer at 1800 rpm for another 20-30 minutes until the mixture was homogeneous.

Meanwhile, smooth-finish steel panels (Type QD, Q-Lab Corporation) and polyethylene (PE) films were treated with acetone rinsing to remove surface contaminants. FORMULATION A was drawn down onto the prepared panels and PE films using a 6 mil wet drawdown bar. The coatings were placed in a VWR Shel lab HF2 oven and subjected to the following pre-programmed curing profile: the diluents were allowed to flash at 30° C. for two hours, and the temperature was ramped up to 100° C. at 1° C./min. The coatings were cured at 100° C. for four hours and cooled to 30° C.

A solventborne click control coating using AZIDATED POLYOL A (3.004 g; 5.52 mmol azide) and POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) A (1.512 g; 5.52 mmol alkyne), was also prepared via a similar procedure, but n-BA (0.450 g) was used as cosolvent, and no ADDITIVE A or DI water was added.

Each coatings formulation was applied onto three smooth-finish steel panels (Type QD, Q-Lab Corporation). Each coating test was conducted in triplicate (one replicate per panel). Coating tests were performed 12 hours after the complete curing profile.

Reaction conversion/crosslink density was qualitatively compared via an MEK double rubs test up to 200 rubs using a 32 oz. (0.907 kg) hammer covered by four folds of cheesecloth according to ASTM D5402-15.

Hardness was measured via a pencil hardness test in accordance with ASTM D3363-05.

Table I shows the performance properties of waterborne alternative polyurethane coatings (Examples B, C, and D) compared to a control coating formulated using POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) A and AZIDATED POLYOL A (Example A). Examples B, C, and D are waterborne azido alkyne click formulations made with AZIDATED POLYOL A and either POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) B, POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) C, or POLY(ALKYNYL CARBAMATE) D, respectively. As can be appreciated from Table I, the waterborne click formulations (Examples B, C, and D) have similar performance to the solventborne click control formulation in terms of hardness (measured by pencil hardness) and chemical resistance (measured by MEK double rubs).

TABLE I Avg. Alkyne Azide ADDITIVE MEK POLY(ALKYNYL resin resin^(a) Cosolvent Cosolvent A DI Water Pencil double Example CARBAMATE) (g) (g) (g) type (g) (g) hardness rubs T_(g)(DSC)/° C. A A 1.512 3.004 0.450 n-BA 8H  200+ 34.87 (solventborne) B B 1.371 2.629 0.400 PnB 0.020 1.000 7H 175 35.58 (waterborne) C C 1.403 2.600 0.400 PnB 0.020 1.000 7H 160 32.56 (waterborne) D D 1.433 2.569 0.800 CARBITOL 0.020 1.000 7H 115 27.16 (waterborne) ^(a)All azide resins used were azidated POLYOL A.

This specification has been written with reference to various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments. However, it will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art that various substitutions, modifications, or combinations of any of the disclosed embodiments (or portions thereof) may be made within the scope of this specification. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that this specification supports additional embodiments not expressly set forth herein. Such embodiments may be obtained, for example, by combining, modifying, or reorganizing any of the disclosed steps, components, elements, features, aspects, characteristics, limitations, and the like, of the various non-limiting embodiments described in this specification. In this manner, Applicant reserves the right to amend the claims during prosecution to add features as variously described in this specification, and such amendments comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112(a), and 35 U.S.C. § 132(a).

Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are set out in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1. A waterborne alternative polyurethane composition comprising a reaction product of: an azidated polyol; and a waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprising a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % of an alkynol-polyether having a formula (I), R₁—R₂—O—R₃—OH(I), wherein, R₁=a monovalent group selected from either HC≡C— or HC≡C—CO—, R₂=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, and R₃=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from 300-1,200 g/mol, wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the prepolymer, wherein reaction of the azidated polyol and the waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) occurs at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C. and optionally in the presence of a catalyst.

Clause 2. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to Clause 1, wherein the alkynol-polyether is a reaction product of an alkynol and a mono-toluenesulfonyl ester of a polyether diol (TsO-POE).

Clause 3. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to Clause 2, wherein the mono-toluenesulfonyl ester of a polyether diol (TsO-POE) is a hydrogenation product of a mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol, toluenesulfonyl ester (TrtO-POE-OTs).

Clause 4. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 3, wherein the mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol, toluenesulfonyl ester (TrtO-POE-OTs) is a reaction product of a mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol (TrtO-POE) and tosyl chloride (TOSYL-CL).

Clause 5. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to Clause 4, wherein the mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol (TrtO-POE) is a reaction product of a polyether diol (POE) and trityl chloride (TRTCl).

Clause 6. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the alkynol is selected from the group consisting of propargyl alcohol, 2-hydroxyethylpropiolate, and isomers of any of these; or mixtures of any of these.

Clause 7. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkynol-polyether has from 10 to 60 carbon atoms.

Clause 8. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the alkynol-polyether has from 10 to 40 carbon atoms.

Clause 9. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the alkynol-polyether comprises 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the prepolymer.

Clause 10. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the polyisocyanate is selected from the group consisting of 1,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,12-dodecamethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-2-isocyanato-methyl cyclopentane, 1-isocyanato-3-isocyanatomethyl-3,5,5-trimethyl cyclohexane (isophorone diisocyanate or IPDI), bis-(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane, 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, bis-(4-isocyanato-3-methyl-cyclohexyl)-methane, α,α,α′,α′-tetramethyl-1,3-xylene diisocyanate, α,α,α′,α′-tetramethy-1,4-xylene diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-1-methyl-4(3)-isocyanato-methyl cyclohexane, 2,4-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), pentane diisocyanate (PDI)-bio-based), and, isomers of any of these; or mixtures of any of these.

Clause 11. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the polyisocyanate contains one selected from the group consisting of isocyanurate, biuret, allophanate, uretdione, and iminooxadiazine dione groups.

Clause 12. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the azidated polyol is a reaction product of a polyol and an azide anion.

Clause 13. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 12, wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene ether polyols, polyester polyols, hydroxyl containing polycaprolactones, hydroxyl-containing (meth)acrylic polymers, polycarbonate polyols, polyurethane polyols and combinations thereof.

Clause 14. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the catalyst comprises a Cu^(II) catalyst and a reducing agent.

Clause 15. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to Clause 14, wherein the Cu^(II) catalyst is selected from the group consisting of copper(II) chloride, CuCl₂[PMDETA], copper(II) bromide, copper(II) iodide, copper(II) sulfate, and copper(II) acetate monohydrate.

Clause 16. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to one of Clauses 14 and 15, wherein the reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of triphenyl phosphine, sodium ascorbate, tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and hydroquinone.

Clause 17. One of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite comprising the waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16.

Clause 18. A substrate having applied thereto the one of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite according to Clause 17.

Clause 19. A process of producing a waterborne alternative polyurethane composition comprising reacting an azidated polyol and a waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C., optionally in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate component and from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % of an alkynol-polyether having a formula (I), R₁—R₂—O—R₃—OH(I), wherein, R₁=a monovalent group selected from either HC≡C— or HC≡C—CO—, R₂=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, and R₃=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from 300-1,200 g/mol, and wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the prepolymer.

Clause 20. The process according to Clause 19, wherein the alkynol-polyether is a reaction product of an alkynol and a mono-toluenesulfonyl ester of a polyether diol (TsO-POE).

Clause 21. The process according to Clause 20, wherein the mono-toluenesulfonyl ester of a polyether diol (TsO-POE) is a hydrogenation product of a mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol, toluenesulfonyl ester (TrtO-POE-OTs).

Clause 22. The process according to Clause 21, wherein the mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol, toluenesulfonyl ester (TrtO-POE-OTs) is a reaction product of a mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol (TrtO-POE) and tosyl chloride (TOSYL-CL).

Clause 23. The process according to Clause 22, wherein the mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol (TrtO-POE) is a reaction product of a polyether diol (POE) and trityl chloride (TRTCl).

Clause 24. The process according to any one of Clauses 19 to 23, wherein the alkynol is selected from the group consisting of propargyl alcohol, 2-hydroxyethylpropiolate, and isomers of any of these; or mixtures of any of these.

Clause 25. The process according to any one of Clauses 19 to 24, wherein the alkynol-polyether has from 10 to 60 carbon atoms.

Clause 26. The process according to any one of Clauses 19 to 25, wherein the alkynol-polyether has from 10 to 40 carbon atoms.

Clause 27. The process according to any one of Clauses 19 to 26, wherein the alkynol-polyether comprises 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the prepolymer.

Clause 28. The process according to any one of Clauses 19 to 27, wherein the polyisocyanate is selected from the group consisting of 1,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,12-dodecamethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-2-isocyanato-methyl cyclopentane, 1-isocyanato-3-isocyanatomethyl-3,5,5-trimethyl cyclohexane (isophorone diisocyanate or IPDI), bis-(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane, 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, bis-(4-isocyanato-3-methyl-cyclohexyl)-methane, α,α,α′,α′-tetramethyl-1,3-xylene diisocyanate, α,α,α′,α′-tetramethy-1,4-xylene diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-1-methyl-4(3)-isocyanato-methyl cyclohexane, 2,4-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), pentane diisocyanate (PDI)-bio-based), and, isomers of any of these; or mixtures of any of these.

Clause 29. The process according to any one of Clauses 19 to 28, wherein the polyisocyanate contains one selected from the group consisting of isocyanurate, biuret, allophanate, uretdione, and iminooxadiazine dione groups.

Clause 30. The process according to any one of Clauses 19 to 29, wherein the azidated polyol is a reaction product of a polyol and an azide anion.

Clause 31. The process according to Clause 30, wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene ether polyols, polyester polyols, hydroxyl containing polycaprolactones, hydroxyl-containing (meth)acrylic polymers, polycarbonate polyols, polyurethane polyols and combinations thereof.

Clause 32. The process according to any one of Clauses 19 to 31, wherein the catalyst comprises a Cu^(II) catalyst and a reducing agent.

Clause 33. The process according to Clause 32, wherein the Cu^(II) catalyst is selected from the group consisting of copper(II) chloride, CuCl₂[PMDETA], copper(II) bromide, copper(II) iodide, copper(II) sulfate, and copper(II) acetate monohydrate.

Clause 34. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to one of Clauses 32 and 33, wherein the reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of triphenyl phosphine, sodium ascorbate, tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and hydroquinone.

Clause 35. One of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite comprising the waterborne alternative polyurethane composition produced according to the process of any one of Clauses 19 to 33.

Clause 36. A substrate having applied thereto the one of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite according to Clause 35. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A waterborne alternative polyurethane composition comprising a reaction product of: an azidated polyol; and a waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprising a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % of an alkynol-polyether having a formula (I), R₁—R₂—O—R₃—OH  (I), wherein, R₁=a monovalent group selected from either HC≡C— or HC≡C—CO—, R₂=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, and R₃=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from 300-1,200 g/mol, wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the prepolymer; wherein reaction of the azidated polyol and the waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) occurs at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C. and optionally in the presence of a catalyst.
 2. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkynol-polyether is a reaction product of an alkynol and a mono-toluenesulfonyl ester of a polyether diol (TsO-POE).
 3. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 2, wherein the mono-toluenesulfonyl ester of a polyether diol (TsO-POE) is a hydrogenation product of a mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol, toluenesulfonyl ester (TrtO-POE-OTs).
 4. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 3, wherein the mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol, toluenesulfonyl ester (TrtO-POE-OTs) is a reaction product of a mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol (TrtO-POE) and tosyl chloride (TOSYL-CL).
 5. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 4, wherein the mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol (TrtO-POE) is a reaction product of a polyether diol (POE) and trityl chloride (TRTCl).
 6. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkynol is selected from the group consisting of propargyl alcohol, 2-hydroxyethylpropiolate, and isomers of any of these; or mixtures of any of these.
 7. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkynol-polyether comprises 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the prepolymer.
 8. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyisocyanate is selected from the group consisting of 1,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,12-dodecamethylene diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,3-diisocyanate, cyclohexane-1,4-diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-2-isocyanato-methyl cyclopentane, 1-isocyanato-3-isocyanatomethyl-3,5,5-trimethyl cyclohexane (isophorone diisocyanate or IPDI), bis-(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane, 1,3-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl)-cyclohexane, bis-(4-isocyanato-3-methyl-cyclohexyl)-methane, α,α,α′,α′-tetramethyl-1,3-xylene diisocyanate, α,α,α′,α′-tetramethy-1,4-xylene diisocyanate, 1-isocyanato-1-methyl-4(3)-isocyanato-methyl cyclohexane, 2,4-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, 2,6-hexahydrotoluene diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), pentane diisocyanate (PDI)-bio-based), and, isomers of any of these; or mixtures of any of these.
 9. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 1, wherein the polyisocyanate contains one selected from the group consisting of isocyanurate, biuret, allophanate, uretdione, and iminooxadiazine dione groups.
 10. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 1, wherein the azidated polyol is a reaction product of a polyol and an azide anion.
 11. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 10, wherein the polyol is selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene ether polyols, polyester polyols, hydroxyl containing polycaprolactones, hydroxyl-containing (meth)acrylic polymers, polycarbonate polyols, polyurethane polyols and combinations thereof.
 12. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst comprises a Cu^(II) catalyst and a reducing agent.
 13. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 12, wherein the Cu^(II) catalyst is selected from the group consisting of copper(II) chloride, CuCl₂[PMDETA], copper(II) bromide, copper(II) iodide, copper(II) sulfate, and copper(II) acetate monohydrate.
 14. The waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim 12, wherein the reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of triphenyl phosphine, sodium ascorbate, tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, and hydroquinone.
 15. One of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite comprising the waterborne alternative polyurethane composition according to claim
 1. 16. A substrate having applied thereto the one of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite according to claim
 15. 17. A process of producing a waterborne alternative polyurethane composition comprising reacting an azidated polyol and a waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C., optionally in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate component and from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % of an alkynol-polyether having a formula (I), R₁—R₂—O—R₃—OH  (I), wherein, R₁=a monovalent group selected from either HC≡C— or HC≡C—CO—, R₂=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, and R₃=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from 300-1,200 g/mol, and wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the prepolymer.
 18. The process according to claim 17, wherein the alkynol-ether is a reaction product of an alkynol and a mono-toluenesulfonyl ester of a polyether diol (TsO-POE).
 19. The process according to claim 18, wherein the mono-toluenesulfonyl ester of a polyether diol (TsO-POE) is a hydrogenation product of a mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol, toluenesulfonyl ester (TrtO-POE-OTs).
 20. The process according to claim 19, wherein the mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol, toluenesulfonyl ester (TrtO-POE-OTs) is a reaction product of a mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol (TrtO-POE) and tosyl chloride (TOSYL-CL).
 21. The process according to claim 20, wherein the mono-trityl ether of a polyether diol (TrtO-POE) is a reaction product of a polyether diol (POE) and trityl chloride (TRTCl).
 22. The process according to claim 17, wherein the alkynol is selected from the group consisting of propargyl alcohol, 2-hydroxyethylpropiolate, and isomers of any of these; or mixtures of any of these.
 23. The process according to claim 17, wherein the alkynol-polyether comprises 5 wt. % to 15 wt. % of the prepolymer.
 24. One of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite comprising the waterborne alternative polyurethane composition produced according to the process of claim
 17. 25. A substrate having applied thereto the one of a coating, an adhesive, a sealant, a film, an elastomer, a casting, a foam, and a composite according to claim
 24. 